San Francisco – Where does a promising comics writer find the perfect artist? Where does a talented comics artist find the right script to illustrate? The answer may be at the Alternative Press Expo (APE), the country’s largest alternative and independent comics convention, being held on Saturday, October 16 and Sunday, October 17 at The Concourse Exhibition Center (635 8th Street, San Francisco).

APE today announced its Comics Collaboration Connection, an initiative matching writers and artists with their creative counterparts. In two-hour sessions split into 15-minute rotations, writers and artists can talk one-on-one with potential collaborators about each other’s ideas and skills. Those interested in furthering the conversation with a particular artist or writer can place their contact info (name and email address) in an envelope supplied for each participant.

“Many of those who attend APE each year are budding comics creators,” commented David Glanzer, director of marketing and public relations for the Alternative Press Expo. “It is our hope that this new program will foster working relationships that will benefit those creators and, ultimately, their audience.”

For Saturday’s session (4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.), writers will be stationed at large tables while artists rotate through. On Sunday (3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.), the roles reverse. Those interested may register in advance by emailing programs@comic-con.org, with “APE Comics Collaboration Connection” in the subject line. Registrants are asked to indicate if they are writers seeking artists or vice versa. Registration will also be accepted onsite. (Please note: All participants in APE’s Comics Collaboration Connection must purchase a single-day ($10) or two-day ($15) membership to APE.)

More information on the Comics Collaboration Connection, along with new details on attendee pre-registration, is available at Comic-Con.org/ape. The APE 2010 programming and workshops schedule, which includes presentations on the history of the Bay Area Comics Scene, an Indie Comics Survival Guide and advice for aspiring comics creators, is also now live on the site.

About Alternative Press Expo:

Alternative Press Expo (APE), the country’s largest alternative and independent comics convention, is part of Comic-Con International (CCI), a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to creating awareness of, and appreciation for, comics and related popular art forms. The organization achieves its mission primarily through the presentation of conventions and events that celebrate the historic and ongoing contribution of comics to art and culture. In addition to APE each fall, CCI organizes San Diego Comic-Con each summer (the largest comics convention of its kind in the world) and the San Francisco–based WonderCon each spring. On the web: Comic-Con.org/APE, Facebook.com/APExpo, Twitter.com/APExpo.